The holidays have always been a time of high expectations, but for many people, the holiday season is not the most wonderful time of the year.
For many, the holidays are a spotlight on everything that is wrong, or difficult, or challenging. If you suffer from depression, it is likely that the holidays can contribute to feelings of sadness. If you have lost a job, the holidays are likely to be financially stressful as well. If you are lonely, then the experience of a holiday during shelter in place orders will not help your feelings of isolation.
For everyone, the holiday season will look different this year. Bars and restaurants are closed to gatherings; our entertainment options are minimal too. Many people have contracted COVID and we have reached a staggering 300,000+ deaths in our country alone. It can be difficult to cope with these changes, especially if the holidays were that special time when you connected with your loved ones.
Winter Blues
In the darker days of winter, many people feel sad, lethargic, and gloomy. The weather is colder and darker during these months keeping people inside more and enjoying life less. The holidays may make these winter blues even worse due to social distancing and shelter in place requirements.
Increased Stress & Anxiety
The holidays can increase stress and anxiety for even the healthiest people. For those who already have heightened anxiety, the holidays can be a dangerous trigger.
The same is true for stress. We all feel the stress of getting just the right gift for a loved one and making sure they are wrapped and delivered in time. Now we have the added consideration of mailing them as we cannot see our extended family and friends in person.
Managing Your Mental Health
The most important thing that you can do to manage your mental health is to acknowledge your feelings. If you are stressed, find ways to relax. If you are anxious, remove the tasks that are overwhelming.
At ACT Family Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of COVID and mental health, especially during the holidays. This year has been difficult for many reasons and every person’s situation is unique.
Reach out to us for personalized counseling and therapy at any of our 6 convenient locations. Let us help you find peace and joy this holiday season and beyond.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
It’s been a lonely and financially stressful year for many people. That has had far-reaching consequences on the mental health of everyone, from the young to the old. Day after day, it’s been a struggle, loss of jobs and the school year, strained relationships, and burnout. The fear, worry, and anxiety are enough to make anyone lose their mind.
At ACT Family Counseling, we have focused on providing personnel care, provided at one of our six locations. Use these self-care tips mental wellness during the pandemic…
Connect with peers
Social isolation can worsen the symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In-person meetings are not possible now, so one should consider plugging into an online support group.
Online support groups provide a friendly and safe environment to share experiences. The platforms can help members cope and overcome substance abuse and anxiety in the short term. One will feel less lonely.
Breath, exercise, and practice mindfulness
It is a difficult time for everyone. There have been massive job losses and loss of income. Across the globe, people are worried and losing sleep over the declining ability to meet their essential needs and take care of the family.
Physical activity is vital to help you get your mind off things. It can give you a sense of purpose and a much-needed break from anxious thoughts. Combine that with breathing exercises and meditation for better relief.
Take a break from work
Remote working and parenting can be hard to juggle. There is a risk of burnout and emotional stress. These risks are felt even more by front line workers who, every day, come face to face with the worst of the pandemic. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and substance abuse. Reach out for help.
Access to personnel therapy
Therapy may have been looked at as a luxury before, but not anymore. $425 million has been allocated to mental health and substance abuse under the CARES act. Insurance companies have also moved to include coverage for telehealth services. Anyone can start on a Family Counseling program even without having seen the professional in-person before, as was previously stipulated under Medicare. The requirement has been repealed.
At ACT Family Counseling, we acknowledge your difficulties. While this is a general guide, every person’s situation is unique. Reach out to us for personalized counseling and psychotherapy at six convenient locations. Let us help you find peace of mind and happiness.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
Feeling bored because of COVID 19? You are not alone. Social distancing has turned life upside down for everyone. What do you do when you are not going to work and are not going out with friends? Do you stay at home and watch TV all day? It gets boring rather quickly. ACT Family Counseling recommends that you find a way to stay engaged and connected with others.
Free time, boredom, and stress can be explosive
The pandemic has laid waste to most of 2020. Education, career, finances, everything is a mess. Consider that. And consider that you have free time that you don’t know what to do with it. Options are limited, and so many people invest that into worrying, ruminating, and watering the seeds of stress and substance abuse.
A combination of boredom, free time, and stress are dangerous. It can increase the risk of depression and addiction or worsen OCD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Especially now that we are far apart from family and friends, one can easily reach the point of no return.
Go for a walk in the park or near the ocean
With the continuous lack of personal human touch, you can suddenly feel invisible. Then you drown in negative mental chatter that breeds anxiety and stress. A change of scenery could be good for you. Don’t stay in bed till midday. Go for a walk for sunshine or exercise. This helps you pass the time in an exciting and healthy way.
Go on virtual dates
Staying connected with friends and relatives online can be difficult and different. But it is better than nothing at all. Talk to friends and family via video chat or text. Use this opportunity to share your troubles or smile and forget that you are bored and quarantined. You can even collaborate on hobbies virtually, for instance, playing musical instruments, painting, or cooking.
Reach out to a professional
Are you bored during COVID 19? This article oversimplifies things. Boredom can be extremely hard to deal with, especially if surrounded by loneliness, worry, and mental health issues. Talk to a counselor.
At ACT Family Counseling, we deliver counseling and psychotherapies from six convenient locations. Dial any of our number and let us you guide you back to happiness and fulfillment.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
When the world was ordered to work from home, many people were pleased about not having to drive to work. But reality dawned. Now, many parents wish that they could leave the house and go to work like the good old days. Remote working with kids around can be a major nightmare. As a work-from-home mom or dad, you take on multiple roles: your day job, parenting, teaching, and with restaurants closed, more cooking. Phew! That can be too much to handle. Here are a few ideas that might help.
Keep the children busy with lots of homework
Many children are still learning from home at this point during the pandemic. When it comes to home-schooling or remote schooling, you are either the teacher or the coordinator, so you must wear a different hat. Homework comes first before play. Set this boundary and help your child understand that you also need time to do your homework.
Don’t keep working after 5
When it’s time for family time, turn off your computer and give your kids and partner the attention they deserve. This is not just good for them; it will help you to unwind too. And given the infectious anxiety and worry that characterizes this period, talking to your family—venting—is critical for emotional wellbeing.
Designate a workplace and work time
When it’s time for work, get into the home office and lock the door behind you. Remove distractions so that you can work efficiently. Otherwise, failure to meet work deadlines and KPIs at this time can be a major contributor to stress and mental health problems.
Have time for yourself
Before the pandemic struck, you probably would pass by the gym or see a friend after work. You had an evening hobby and a favorite TV show. These things are important when it comes to mental health and overall wellbeing. Find ways to keep doing that by working out at home, going for a stroll, or talking to your friends online.
Get help with household chores
Encourage everyone to participate in household chores, including the children. Teach them to make their bed, pick up their dirty clothes, and straighten their room. Having one less thing on your to-do list can give you peace of mind.
Call for help when you need it
Sometimes we are strong enough, and we cope, but other times, we crash under it all. Such as when a child has ADHD or you are struggling with anxiety, bipolarity, or PTSD. We are here to help.
ACT Family Counseling provides counseling and psychotherapy services with six convenient locations. Connect with us and let us help you find the strength to live another day.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
Dealing with the current chaotic environment is no easy task. Staying COVID safe when your friends are not can be challenging for everyone involved. With mixed messaging tossed about from every avenue imaginable, it can be difficult for many social butterflies to comprehend the need to stay on guard. How can you enjoy time spent with a dear friend and communicate your need for maintaining healthy social distances? Maybe you have someone at home who is particularly at risk; maybe you are. Just know, that you have socially distanced friends within reach who can help you stay COVID safe when your friends are not.
Counseling through the COVID Crisis
ACT Family Counseling offers you the perspective and prep you need to tackle tough topics. COVID shouldn’t be the reason to cancel pleasure in your life. You can enjoy the company of others in responsible, loving ways without the drama! But how? First, let’s chat about “communicating” clearly. Here are some tips for when you are trying to share your heart about staying COVID safe when your friends are not:
- Make open-ended inquiries
- Check non-verbal cues
- Set aside your “reading-mind” goggles
- Steer clear of blame games
Good communication creates lasting friendships. Need more guidance? ACT Family Counseling is ready to help!
Staying COVID Safe When Your Friends Are Not “CAN” Be a Positive Experience
It can be a definite positive to receive counseling from experts in communication. At ACT Family Counseling, we guide you toward your goals while keeping you safe. Our online counseling can help you find solutions to solve the complex challenges in your life. Staying COVID safe when others are not, especially when they are your friends, can be tough. You don’t want to offend, you don’t want to seem withdrawn, just safe yet social.
You can draw close to your friends from a safe distance. We can show you how by giving you the tools that will ensure your friends feel appreciated and you stay COVID safe!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
800.801.8777
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
